Consumer Sentiment Slides in October
The University of Michigan’s preliminary Index of Consumer Sentiment for October declined 7.5 percent from month-over-month in September to 63 from 68.1 and below the 67.4 reading that analysts had expected.
Under Armour Hires Gap Inc. Vet as Chief Supply Chain Officer
The company hired retail industry veteran Shawn Curran as chief supply chain officer, reporting to President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz. After three decades working at Gap, Inc., Curran will join Under Armour on October 16.
Stitch Fix, Inc. Expands Layoffs, Now Affecting Nearly 1,000 U.S. Workers
After deciding to shutter its UK operations this past summer, and continuing the work to shut down its distribution center in Bethlehem PA, the company will soon begin the closure of its facility in Dallas, TX.
Decathlon to Open First Store in British Columbia
Decathlon plans to open a flagship store in spring 2024 at Metropolis at Metrotown, marking its first store in British Columbia and its 19th in Canada.
REI To Open Huntington Station Store
The 21,000-square-foot store in the Huntington Shopping Center in Huntington Station, NY will host a grand opening November 3-5. It is REI’s seventh store in the Tri-State area.
EXEC: Surveys Reveal Run Specialty’s Challenges with Gen Z
A recent member survey from the Running Industry Association (RIA) found that while the run specialty channel has made progress in attracting the Gen X demographic, with Millennials not far behind, a significant opportunity remained to attract more Zoomers.
KUIU To Open Dallas Store for Direct-to-Consumer Brand
The company said that based on the active consumer base in Dallas, it’s the ideal location for a brick-and-mortar store. KUIU said being DTC-focused provides the company with data and insights on its customers.
Lacrosse, Flag Football, Cricket on Short List for 2028 LA Games
The organizing committee for the Los Angeles Games reported it will propose adding flag football, lacrosse, squash, and cricket to the Olympic program for 2028. The organizing committee is also aiming to bring baseball and softball back.
Dick’s SG To Open House of Sports in Miami
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported that the company submitted plans with Miami-Dade County to open a House of Sports in Miami in a space formerly occupied by a Nordstrom store in the Dadeland Mall.
Running USA’s COO Departs
Running USA’s Board of Directors announced that Christine Bowen, chief operating officer and VP for the past 14 years, stepped down from her role, effective September 30.
Walmart Again Closing Stores on Thanksgiving
Walmart announced that it will close its doors on Thanksgiving for the fourth consecutive year.
EXEC: Anta Sports Sees Fila Q3 Retail Trend Lagging First Half Gain
The company, which runs retail stores in China for the Anta brand, Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport, and Amer Sports, reported that Fila brand retail sales posted low-teens positive growth in the third quarter, down from the mid-teens growth from the first half.
Har-Tru Acquires Armor Crack Repair
Har-Tru, LLC, a specialist in court construction and surfacing solutions based in Troy, VA, has acquired Armor Crack Repair, which specializes in court crack repair and maintenance.
Consumer Prices Rose More Than Forecast in September; Apparel CPI Declines
One bright spot for consumers was in the month-over-month CPI for Apparel, which declined 0.8 percent from August, most likely owing to the de-stocking and promotional environment at retail.
SportChek Exec Joins Ross Stores as President, Operations
Ross Stores, Inc. reported that it named Stephen Brinkley to the newly-created role of president of operations, reporting to Michael Hartshorn, group president and chief operating officer, effective October 30.
